Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo? - PaleoHacks.com

Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2011-08-29T17:18:16Z

Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo? By the most-strict definition? If not, what is wrong and is it "OK"?

Answer by romesaz for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2011-08-29T17:21:41Z

My only assumption is that it's a high carb load in the form of fruit sugars from the dried dates, or other dried fruits. Otherwise the ingredients are just nuts or the like.

Answer by wheelhouse for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2011-08-29T17:38:51Z

By the most strict definition, unless you find a LaraBar tree, then no.

However, I think they are fairly harmless as long as you dont make them a staple. One for breakfast everyday seems like a ton of sugar all at once. One every now and then while on a hike, bike ride, or just as a treat seems fairly harmless.

Answer by turkeytyme for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2011-08-29T17:41:53Z

I was looking at them in the store the other day and was like no way I'm buying those. They are so tiny and way full of carbs.

Answer by Katherine for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2011-08-29T18:35:32Z

In my experience, avoiding excessive linoleic acid is one of the most beneficial things to be done in toward the goal of achieving health. Lara bars, because of the nuts, have a lot of linoleic acid.

Also when we dry fruit, the volume decrease tricks us into thinking we're eating a lot less sugar than we really are.

Certainly it's a fine snack or treat once in awhile but if a person has significant health issues needing attention, it may be best to avoid them completely.

Answer by TheBaconDiaries for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2011-08-29T18:52:45Z

No, LARABARs don't grow on trees. Yes, LARABARs are paleo. They are made with fruit and nuts.

We don't eat them all of the time because we'd rather eat meat for protein/fat and veggies for carbs.

They are high in carbs. But being paleo doesn't mean you have to be LC, VLC or ZC (if that's even possible.)

Avoid the ones with peanut ingredients, don't eat 50 of them a day and remember to read food labels on packaged foods.

Answer by Katie Rose for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2011-08-29T18:56:51Z

From my experience, MOST Larabars are paleo. They have been coming out with new flavors though that have some ingredents that are not paleo; i.e. peanuts (in the peanut butter bar) and chocolate (in the cookie dough flavor) but for the most part they are. They are very dense, but I like to break off a chunk of one during a 6 hour shift when I need the energy. They are also my go to on my long runs (im training for a marathon, and they are so much better than candy and "goos" that other runners use)

Answer by Shacky for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2011-08-29T19:00:18Z

I'm a big fan of Larabar but like others have mentioned, you need to be careful as to which ones you select.

I'm constantly on the look out for paleo(ish) foods to snack on while I am out running. I made my own bars once just by dicing up some dates and mixing them with crushed almonds, cashews, and pecans. Roll them up in saranwrap and then freeze. Once chilled or frozen, just chop into bite or bar size.

Other options: Navitas sent me a couple packages of their new Power Snacks to try out and I absolutely loved them. They promote them as being vegan but I see nothing non-paleo about them and will be snacking on more of these in the future. Very mild on the sweetness level which appeals to me. Clif is sending me some of their ClifC bars in the mail soon to try out. These are similar to Larabar but with a higher sugar content I believe. Advertised for vegan athletes but the ingredients appear paleo which is why I am interested in trying them out.

Answer by Sarah for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2011-08-29T19:02:04Z

I use the non-peanut varieties for fuel when I'm biking because they are easy to carry in my jersey than a whole piece of fruit and nuts and provide some instant glucose that I need to continue. Not a bad option for that.

Answer by Stacey for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2012-08-05T18:01:35Z

The ingredients are amazing!! Great for on the go!

Answer by Sam for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2012-09-05T15:19:11Z

Some Lara Bars are. Just look at the ingredients. Some might have fruit juice concentrates, chocolate chips,and peanuts.

Answer by TheRangerSteve for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2012-09-05T15:30:50Z

They're Paleo, choose your battles on which you want to eat. I don't get any with Peanuts, and only get ones with Chocolate once in a while. If you get Blueberry Muffin it's less than 20g Carbs and when you're looking for a quick snack for traveling or as a Post workout fuel they work great. I would say that I usually have maybe 2 a week, sometimes 3 if I have a heavy workload in the gym. For something you can grab off the shelf and take anywhere I love them. They are a lifesaver when flying.

Answer by Clayton for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2012-09-05T17:12:59Z

yes, only the larabars without the peanut and chocolate chip crap are paleo by strict definition. however, it doesn't mean they are the best choice of food to eat as a staple. they are made with dates and dates can easily spike your insulin levels making you hungrier than when you started. then again, not everybody responds the same way to insulin, so you might find you can eat them regularly throughout your day without any problems. but for most people it can cause issues.

Answer by Allie for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2012-09-05T17:23:45Z

No, any company that supports GMOs is not paleo. See here.

Answer by Dan Luoma for Are gluten-free Lara Bars paleo?

2013-02-06T17:33:22Z

I love Larabars. Especially cashew cookie. It makes a great dessert in the evening: a couple times a week my wife & I indulge in a cup of herbal tea and half a Larabar. I know, cavemen did not have Larabars, but they didn't have cars, TVs, cell phones, or grocery stores.